Photopea
Photoshop-compatible image editor that runs in browsers
What it is
Photopea is a free, browser-based image editor that opens and saves PSD, XD, Sketch, PDF, and standard raster formats without any installation. Designers, content creators, and hobbyists use it to retouch photos, build thumbnails, and work with layered files on any device. It mirrors Photoshop's interface closely enough that existing PSD workflows transfer without friction, though ads on the free tier can interrupt focus.
Key features
- ●Opens and exports PSD, XD, Sketch, PDF, PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, and WebP
- ●Full layer system with groups, masks, and adjustment layers
- ●Pen tool, selection tools, healing brush, and clone stamp
- ●Text tool with basic typography controls
- ●Smart objects and non-destructive editing
- ●Keyboard shortcuts matching Photoshop defaults
- ●Premium plan removes ads for a yearly fee
Pros and cons
Pros
- +Runs entirely in the browser with no install required
- +Opens native PSD, AI, XD, and Sketch files accurately
- +Interface closely mirrors Photoshop, reducing the learning curve for existing users
- +Free tier is fully functional, not a limited trial
- +Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks equally
- +Supports layers, masks, adjustment layers, and blend modes
Cons
- –Ad-supported free tier places banner ads inside the editor workspace
- –Performance slows noticeably on large, high-resolution files
- –No native cloud storage or asset library integration
- –Fewer third-party plugins compared to desktop Photoshop
- –No offline mode unless you cache it manually via the browser
- –Some advanced Photoshop features like Camera Raw are partially implemented
Who it's for
- ●Creating and editing YouTube thumbnails without buying software
- ●Opening client PSD files when you don't have Photoshop installed
- ●Quick photo retouching on a school or work computer with no admin rights
- ●Designing social media graphics with layered templates
- ●Editing images on a Chromebook or low-power device
- ●Prototyping UI layouts by importing Sketch or XD files
Categories
Good for
YouTubers, Streamers
Frequently asked questions
Is Photopea really free, or is there a catch?
The core editor is genuinely free with no feature lockout. The trade-off is banner ads displayed inside the editor. A premium subscription removes ads and costs around $5 per month, but it adds no extra editing features outside of AI credits.
How well does Photopea handle real PSD files from Photoshop?
It reads and writes PSDs accurately for most standard workflows including layers, masks, and text. Complex smart filters or Camera Raw adjustments may not render identically, so review imported files carefully before editing.
Does Photopea work offline?
Not by default. It requires an internet connection to load. Some browsers can cache the app after the first visit, enabling limited offline use, but this is not a guaranteed or officially supported feature.
Who is Photopea a good fit for compared to Canva or Adobe Express?
Photopea suits people who want Photoshop-style control over layers, selections, and file formats without a subscription. Canva and Adobe Express are faster for template-based design but offer far less manual control over pixel-level editing.
Can I use Photopea commercially, for client work or content I sell?
Yes, using Photopea to create commercial work is permitted. Check the terms of any stock assets or fonts you use inside the editor, as those licenses are separate from Photopea itself.
Does Photopea have any AI-powered editing tools?
You, you can remove backgrounds with one click, or replace any part of an image with new content using text descriptions. These tools do cost AI credits and only available on premium subscriptions.